Ventilation systems

ABSTRACT

Ventilation systems are disclosed that include a base unit having a mounting platform connecting the base unit to a surface. Such base units have a base collar that extends away from the mounting platform and forms a perimeter of a opening through the base unit. Such ventilation systems include a fan unit that has a fan housing and a fan. The fan housing is configured to receive air through an inlet and expel air through an outlet, and the fan is capable of moving air from the inlet to the outlet. Such ventilation systems also include a quick connect interface that has a base feature and a fan housing feature. The base feature is integrated into the base unit, and the fan housing feature integrated into the fan unit; both are capable of detachably connecting together to secure the fan unit to the base unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of, U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/018,076 filed on Sep. 11,2020, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/329,596 filed on Jul. 11,2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 61/879,439 filed on Sep. 18, 2013 and which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/422,087 filed onMay 16, 2012; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety as though the same were reproduced hereinverbatim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many workers are injured every year while installing ventilation fans onresidential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other types ofbuildings, utility applications, etc. Take for instance the situation ofinstalling a fan system on a typical residential roof. These roofs, ofcourse, are elevated necessitating the use of ladders, scaffolding, etc.to reach the worksite. Thus, frequently, the worker must stand on aladder while installing the fan system. These fan systems (andassociated hardware such as housings, flashing, etc.) often weigh quitea bit and are bulky and awkward to work with. Maneuvering these itemswhile perched on a ladder, necessarily, increases the strain on theworker and the risk of falling (and other injuries) to which they areexposed. Angled roofs of various pitches aggravate these risks.

Moreover, to install a fan system on a typical roof, the worker mustcarry the fan system aloft on the ladder, position the fan system withits flashing under the shingles, felt paper, tar paper, slate, metalsheeting, etc. on the roof and then fasten the fan system to the roof.Of course, some roofing materials cannot so easily be “lifted.” Forinstance, some roofs include a layer of tar applied directly to the roofdeck. While installing the fan system, the worker often finds itdifficult (if not impossible) to see around the fan system and verifyits positioning and that the flashing is underneath the roofingmaterials. As a result, these fan systems are often installedincorrectly resulting in an un-professional appearance fan system andleaks of water (for instance, rain) in the proximity of the fan system.

Additionally, fan systems require power to operate and power might/mightnot be available in close proximity to the location for particular roofmounted fan systems. Thus, wires, cables, conduits, etc. must be run tothe fan and connected thereto. These activities complicate theinstallation, increase the cost thereof, and increase the number oftechnicians, workmen, crafts, etc. involved. In such situations, itmight be desirable to use solar power to drive these fan systems.However, solar panels can be eye sores, take up space on the roof, etc.

Yet, building owners (and/or other interested parties) still desire thebenefits associated with such fan systems (such as improvedventilation). For instance, if functional, these fan systems canventilate the attics and/or other crawl ways underneath the roof. Intum, the ventilation decreases the temperature of these spaces therebyreducing air conditioning loads of the buildings.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide anunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter,and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineatethe scope of such subject matter. A purpose of the summary is to presentsome concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddisclosure that is presented herein.

Exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention include a base unit that has a mounting platform forconnecting the base unit to a surface having a surface opening. The baseunit has a base collar extending away from the mounting platform andforming a perimeter of a base opening through the base unit thatcorresponds to the surface opening.

Exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention also include a fan unit. The fan unit includes a fan housingand a fan. This fan housing is configured to receive air through aninlet and expel the air through an outlet. The fan is capable ofconnecting to a power source that enables the fan to move the air fromthe inlet to the outlet.

Such ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention also include a quick connect interface having a base featureand a fan housing feature. The base feature is integrated into the baseunit. The fan housing feature is integrated into the fan unit. The basefeature and the fan housing feature are capable of detachably connectingtogether to secure the fan unit to the base unit.

In some embodiments of ventilation systems according to the presentinvention, the base feature is mounted to the base collar. The basecollar may include a flange around the base collar at an opposite end ofthe base collar from the mounting platform, and in such examples, thebase feature may be mounted to the flange. In some embodiments, the basefeature is implemented as a detent extending from the base collar awayfrom the mounting platform. Such a detent may have a detent body and adetent head where the detent head being larger than the detent body.

In some exemplary ventilation systems according to the presentinvention, the fan housing includes a fan housing base, and the fanhousing feature of the quick connect interface is integrated into thefan housing base. The fan housing feature of the quick connect interfacemay include a receptacle capable of receiving the base feature of thequick connect interface. The receptacle may define an entry region, atransition region, and a locking region. The entry region is capable ofreceiving the base feature. The transition region is capable of guidingthe base feature from entry region to the locking region. The lockingregion is capable of securing the base feature in the receptacle. Insuch examples, the transition region includes an incline that guides thebase feature into the locking region, and the incline is oriented topull the base unit and the fan unit together as the base feature movesinto the locked region. The fan housing feature of the quick connectinterface includes a catch configured to prevent the base feature frombacking out of the locking region after passing a predeterminedposition.

In some embodiments, the fan unit includes one or more solar cellsmounted on top of the fan housing and electrically connected to the fan,and the power source includes a solar power source. The fan housingincludes a fan housing base, and the fan housing feature is integratedin the fan housing base.

The base collar of exemplary ventilation systems according toembodiments of the present invention may include a detachable riser. Thebase feature of some of those exemplary ventilation systems may bemounted to the detachable riser.

In other embodiments, the fan housing may include an airflow diverterfor guiding the air from the inlet to the outlet. Such an airflowdiverter may be configured to be ovoidal in shape. The airflow divertermay include an inner region and an outer region. The inner region isconfigured adjacent to the inlet, and the outer region is configuredadjacent to the outlet. Such airflow diverter may also include one ormore vanes for directing the air from the inlet to the outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 Prior Art illustrates a building.

FIG. 2 Prior Art illustrates a user installing a roof-mounted fansystem.

FIG. 3 Prior Art further illustrates a user installing a roof-mountedfan system.

FIG. 4 Prior Art still further illustrates a user installing aroof-mounted fan system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a two-piece fan system with a solar panel in anextended position.

FIG. 6 further illustrates a two-piece fan system with a solar panel ina stowed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates aspects of a two-piece fan system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fan assembly of a two-piece fan system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of a housing of a two-piece fansystem.

FIG. 10 further illustrates an exploded view of a fan assembly for atwo-piece fan.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a two-piece fan system.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of a pair of closures for two-piecefan systems.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a two-piece fan system.

FIG. 14 illustrates a two-piece fan system installed on a roof.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a two-piece fan system with ariser.

FIG. 16 illustrates a two-piece fan system with a riser installed on aroof.

FIG. 17 illustrates a corrugated roof and bases for two-piece fansystems.

FIG. 18 illustrates one half of a quick attachment coupling fortwo-piece fan systems.

FIG. 18A illustrates a cross-sectional view as seen along line AA inFIG. 18 .

FIG. 19 illustrates another two-piece fan system and a roof curb.

FIG. 19A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic of a circuit associated with a two-piecefan system.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method related to two-piece fansystems.

FIG. 22 illustrates a quick attachment coupling for multi-piece fans.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary ventilationsystem according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a left view of the exemplary base unit useful inventilation systems according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary base unit usefulin ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25A illustrates a magnified view of an exemplary base feature shownin FIG. 25 .

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary fan unit usefulin ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26A illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary fan unit shown inFIG. 26 .

FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of the airflow diverter of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the airflow diverter ofFIG. 27 along line B-B.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary fan housing baseof a fan unit useful in ventilation systems according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 28A illustrates a magnified view of the exemplary fan housingfeature of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 28B illustrates another magnified view of the exemplary fan housingfeature of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 28C illustrates a magnified view of the exemplary fan housingfeature of FIG. 28 coupled together with an exemplary base featureaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 28D illustrates another magnified view of the exemplary fan housingfeature of FIG. 28 coupled together with an exemplary base featureaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 29 sets forth a perspective view of a base unit useful inventilation systems according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 30 sets forth an exploded view of a base unit depicted in FIG. 29 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current disclosure provides exemplary ventilation systems,apparatus, methods, etc. for ventilating attics (and/or other spaces)and, more a particularly, multi-piece ventilations units with adjustable(and flush fitting) solar panels and/or quick attachment fittingswhereby fan assemblies of the ventilation units can be quickly attachedto/detached from bases of ventilation units.

Exemplary embodiments provide two-piece fan systems for use inventilating spaces such as attics, crawlways, etc. These fan systems canrequire relatively low power and can possess high reliability. Moreover,fan systems of exemplary embodiments can be powered via solar panels,solar systems, etc. and/or power systems available in the buildingsin/on which they might be installed. Fan systems of exemplaryembodiments can be used in residential, commercial and/or utilityapplications, can be thermostat controlled, and whole ventilation systemcan be windstorm certified per ASTM-E330 (and/or in accordance withother techniques).

Exemplary ventilation systems according to these embodiments aretechnologically, functionally and aesthetically superior toheretofore-available fan systems. Such exemplary ventilation systems arerugged, durable, practical, windstorm certified and relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, install, operate, maintain, modify, etc.Exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention possess elegant low profiles, blend nicely into theirenvironments, and can be painted to match/complement their surroundings.In addition, or in the alternative, such exemplary ventilation systemspossess adjustable solar panels. Such fan systems can include adjustablebrackets with multiple locking states which support the solar panels andallow their positions to be adjusted.

Exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention can be used to provide proper ventilation for many spaces. Insome situations, these fan systems ventilate spaces to reducetemperatures inside enclosed spaces throughout the year such as attics,crawl spaces, warehouses, storage areas, sheds, barns, etc. In thesummer, in particular, solar powered attic fan systems of embodimentshelp make such areas more comfortable by converting passive ventilationto active ventilation.

Exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention can reduce HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)costs and reduce cooling cycles thereby saving energy and money.Furthermore, by reducing interior temperatures these exemplaryventilation systems can reduce premature deterioration of shingles, roofboards, sheathing, siding, insulation, stored valuables, etc. Properventilation can also prevent/reduce moisture (from relatively warm air)condensing on the under sides of relatively cool roofs, beams, rafters,etc. Moreover, because fan systems of some exemplary embodiments aresolar powered, such exemplary embodiments can cost the owner/operatorlittle or nothing to operate. Some exemplary embodiments include solarpanels (and their adjustable brackets) to power the fan system, andthose solar panels may be embedded in the fan housings rather thanappearing as add-ons or appearing as if those panels have been gluedonto the ventilation systems.

Some ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention provide two-piece ventilation units comprising bottom bases,top housings, solar panels, locks, and biasing members. The bottom basesof such exemplary embodiment may define flashing which is shaped anddimensioned to divert runoff around the fan systems. They also defineriser portions extending from the flashing and further define firsthalves of twist-on, quick attachment couplings. The top housings of thesuch exemplary embodiments contain fans and define second halves of thetwist-on, quick attachment couplings. The top housings are releasablycoupled to the bottom bases via the twist-on/off quick attachmentcouplings. Furthermore, the solar panels couple to the top housings andare pivotable between stowed positions in which the panels lay flushwith the top housings and extended positions in which the panels extendat an angle from the top housings. Moreover, the solar panels are inelectrical communication with the fans. The locks operatively couplewith the bottom bases and the top housings and, when in their lockedpositions, lock the twist-on, quick attachment couplings in theircoupled positions. The biasing members operatively couple with the locksand urge the locks toward their coupled positions.

Still further, various ventilation systems according to embodiments ofthe present invention provide bases (defining flashing portions) andhousings which together define, respectively, first and second halves ofquick attachment couplings. The quick attachment couplings allow thehousings to be releasably coupled to the bases. In some embodiments,exemplary ventilation systems further comprise solar panels coupled tothe housings which are pivotable between stowed positions whereby suchpanels lay flush with the housings and elevated positions whereby thepanels extend from the top of the housing.

If desired, the quick attachment couplings according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention can be twist-on (twist-off) quickattachment couplings. Such exemplary ventilation systems can includelocks operatively coupled to the bases and, which when in lockedpositions, can lock the twist-on, quick attachment couplings in coupledpositions. Furthermore, biasing members can operatively couple with thelocks and urge the locks toward their locked positions. Some exemplaryventilation systems may include risers that can be adapted to releasablecouple between the bases and the housings. In some exemplaryembodiments, the flashing portions can be adapted to be mounted onpitched roofs, and the exemplary ventilation systems can include fanscontained in the housings. In addition, or in the alternative, exemplaryventilation systems according to embodiments of the present inventionmay further include electrical connections adapted to receive 120 VAC(volts alternating current).

Some exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention may possess bases and housings which define quickattachment couplings by which the fan housings are releasably coupled tothe bases. In the alternative, or in addition, exemplary bases accordingto embodiments of the present invention may define riser portionsextending from the flashings and further defining the quick attachmentcouplings. The quick attachment couplings can be twist-on quickattachment couplings. Moreover, the quick attachment couplings can belocked and can be biased toward their locked positions.

Turning to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 illustrates a building. More particularly,FIG. 1 illustrates a building 100, walls 101, a ceiling 102,air-conditioned spaces 103, a roof 104, a crawl way 105, HVAC (heating,ventilation, and air-conditioning) equipment 106, ducts 108, an airconditioner (evaporator) 110, a roof vent 112, and an roof-mounted fansystem 114. The building 100 could be a residential building (as shown),a commercial building, an industrial building, etc. The building 100exists in a region in which the sun and other heat sources create a heatload on the building 100. It also exists in an area where neighboringproperty owners might wish to maintain the aesthetic appearance of theneighborhood. Thus, the owner of the building 100 might wish to managethe heat load of the building 100 while not adversely affecting theaesthetic qualities of the building 100, the neighborhood, etc.

The building 100 also includes a number of walls 101 as well as or, inthe alternative to, other structures. Typically, these structures defineone or more of the “air-conditioned” spaces 103 and one or more of thecrawlways 105. The air-conditioned spaces 103 are said to be“air-conditioned” in the sense that the condition of the air thereinmight be maintained more or less at some given state and, morespecifically, at some desired temperature. Yet the external heat load(from the sun and/or other sources) and, potentially, internal heatloads (for instance, from lighting, electrical/mechanical equipment,occupants, etc.) can affect the temperature of those air-conditionedspaces 103. In many cases, the crawl way 105 (or attic) is included inthe design of the building 100 to provide a degree of separation betweenthe air-conditioned spaces 103 and the external environment (and itsheat loads). Yet, that crawlway 105 itself can become warm therebyexposing the air-conditioned spaces 103 to heat flux from the crawl way105 itself and/or reduce the amount of heat which would otherwise escapefrom the air-conditioned spaces 103 through that space.

Moreover, many building designers, owners, maintenance personnel, etc.are known to place various pieces of equipment in these crawl ways 105.For instance, building designers frequently locate HVAC equipment 106and associated ducts 108 in these crawl ways 105. Some HVAC equipment106, of course, represent sources of heat themselves. The ducts 108often convey air-conditioned air and, even if insulated, allow thatair-conditioned air to absorb heat from the air in the crawl way 105.Thus, heat from the HVAC equipment 106 and other heat sources can beconveyed into the air-conditioned spaces 103 via the ducts 108.

The roof 104 along with the ceiling 102 defines the crawl way 105 andtends to trap heat in that crawl way 105. Indeed, warm (or even hot) airin the crawl way 105 can rise to the crown or apex of the roof 104 whereit becomes trapped unless vented. As a result, a temperature gradientcan exist as sensed at various heights in the crawl way 105 with thehottest air frequently being found near the apex of the roof 104.

In many situations, users might place a roof vent 112 on the roof 104 tovent the crawl way 105. If placed near the apex of the roof 104, theroof vent 112 therefore allows the warmer air in the crawlway 105 torise through itself and therefore escape from the crawl way 105.However, such passive roof vents 112 rely on natural convection to drivethe flow of the warm air and might not therefore be that effective inmanaging the heat load(s) affecting the crawl way 105 (and/or theair-conditioned spaces 103). Indeed, natural convection typically doesnot happen in a substantial manner until the crawl way 105 temperaturereaches about 136 degrees F. Thus, some users include a roof-mounted fansystem 114 on the roof 104 to actively ventilate the crawl way 105.

Such active ventilation equipment such as a roof-mounted fan system 214,though comes with certain drawbacks. For one thing, heretofore-availableroof-mounted fan systems 114 are bulky, awkward, and heavy and thereforedifficult to install as FIGS. 2-4 illustrate. More particularly, FIG. 2illustrates a user installing a roof-mounted fan system 214 on abuilding 200. FIG. 2 also illustrates a roof 204, a user 216, and aladder 218. As illustrated, the user 216 is installing the roof-mountedfan system 214 near the apex of an angled roof 204. Indeed, the user 216has managed to carry the bulky roof-mounted fan system 214 up the ladder218 at something of a risk of dropping the fan system and/or falling offthe ladder 218 (or otherwise damaging the fan system and/or injuringhim/her self). Moreover, having managed to carry the roof-mounted fansystem 214 aloft, the user 216 must now perch at the top of the ladder218, maneuver it into place, and mount it to the roof. 204. To do so,the user 216 must often reach around the roof-mounted fan system 214 toits opposite side which the user 216 cannot see, much less reachconveniently.

Further still, the user 216 must then access the under side of theroof-mounted fan system 214 from the attic of the building 200 toprovide power to the roof-mounted fan system 214. That power might ormight not be available at the location of the roof-mounted fan system214. Thus, the user 216 might need to run wires, a conduit, etc. to theroof-mounted fan system 214 as well as wire it to a thermostat ifthermostatic control of the roof-mounted fan system 214 is desired. Inthe alternative, the user 216 might have purchased a roof-mounted fansystem 214 with an add-ons solar panel. However, solar panels are oftenconsidered eyesores and add-on solar panels typically aggravate thiscondition. Indeed, some homeowners associations (HOA), municipalities,etc. place restrictions on the use of solar panels on roofs 204 (and/orother locations).

Further still, with heretofore-available roof-mounted fan systems, thesolar panels are simply added to the fan systems with little or noattempt to incorporate the solar panels into the aesthetic design ofthese fan systems. Thus, these solar panels detract from the aestheticfeatures of these heretofore-available roof-mounted fan systems 214.Moreover, the solar panels (on installed roof-mounted fan systems 214)might or might not point toward the sun thereby reducing theirefficiency to a point at which they might not be able to adequatelydrive the fan systems.

FIG. 3 further illustrates a user installing a roof-mounted fan system214. More particularly, FIG. 3 illustrates a flashing 320, a penetration322, rafters 324, a roof deck 326, roofing materials 328, and tools 330.The user, of course, could be a worker, home (or building) owner, amaintenance technician (electrician or mechanic perhaps), or other user.Nonetheless, the roof-mounted fan system 214 is often so bulky that theuser 216 can barely get their arms around it and must carry it in aposition whereby its center of gravity is relatively distant from theuser 216. Heretofore-available roof-mounted fan systems 214 also happento be heavy, which makes carrying and maneuvering these roof-mounted fansystems 214 that much more difficult. More specifically, the user 216must (despite these challenges) maneuver the roof-mounted fan system 214over the penetration 322, center it, and secure it to the roof deck 326.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, roof deck 326 rests onnumerous rafters 324. Typically, the rafters 324 are long 2″×4″ boardswhich (laid in an appropriate manner) can support the weight of the roofdeck 326, material (for instance, snow, water, etc.) on it, users 216,wind loads (with appropriate bracing), etc. Typically, the rafters 324are spaced apart by 24 inches and/or correspond (in spacing) to thetypical 4×8 foot size of the plywood panels that make up the roof deck326. Other rafter 324 spacing dimensions are possible though. Moreover,the rafters 324 and/or roof deck 326 are typically pitched at anglescorresponding to a rise/fall of 3 inches per foot although buildingshaving different roof pitches (for instance, 7 and 10 roof pitches) arecertainly in existence and within the scope of the current disclosure.Indeed, some roofs 304 are flat (or have pitches much less than 3 inchesper foot) and might have rafters 324 with increased dimensions to betterbear the loads associated with such roof pitches.

The roof deck 326 itself is typically made of 4×8 foot sheets of plywoodon which the roofing materials 328 are secured. In many cases, thoseroofing materials 328 include an underlying layer(s) of tarpaper and oneor more layers of shingles. The tarpaper serves to waterproof the roof304 so that rain, snowmelt, and/or other forms of water cannot penetratethe roof 304 and/or seep into the building. The tarpaper typically restson the plywood of the roof deck 326 with the shingles overlying it. Theshingles are thicker and more durable than the tarpaper and primarilyserve to protect the tarpaper from damage by the elements, workers,objects falling (or being blown) onto the roof 304, etc. Shingles aretypically applied to the roof 304 in overlapping rows with the lowerends of shingles in higher rows resting on the upper ends of theshingles in lower rows. Moreover, shingles in adjacent rows arepositioned such that the gaps between shingles of a given row do notalign with gaps in adjacent rows. Thus, these features tend towaterproof the roof 304 when taken together so long as no penetrationthrough the roofing materials 328 occurs. Note that roofs with ceramictiles, concrete tiles, sheet metal (corrugated or otherwise), woodenshakes, etc. are within the scope of the current disclosure.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3 , installing a roof-mounted fansystem 214 on a roof 204 typically requires that a relatively largepenetration 322 be made in the roof 204 and roofing materials 328.Indeed, to install a roof-mounted fan system 214 most users 216 wouldenter the crawl way 105 beneath the roof 204 and select a location(usually near the roof apex) for the fan system. They would then find aspace between two rafters 324 for the fan system. If the space is largeenough to accommodate the fan system, the user 216 often drills a hole(hammers a nail, etc.) through the roof deck 326 at the desired locationfor the center of the fan system. They then climb down out of the crawlway 105, exit the building, and climb to the top of the roof 204 wherethey would locate the previously drilled hole. Using a compass of sorts,the user 216 then typically marks the location of the intended peripheryof the penetration 322 in accordance with the diameter of an opening inthe fan system. Then, using an appropriate saw or other tool(s), theuser 216 cuts through the shingles, tarpaper, other roofing materials328, and the roof deck 326 to form the penetration 322.

FIG. 4 still further illustrates a user installing a roof-mounted fansystem. Once the penetration 322 is prepared, the user 216 thenmaneuvers the bulky roof-mounted fan system 214 into position roughlyover the penetration 322. But, provision must usually be made to preventwater from entering the building 200 through the penetration 322. Forsuch reasons, the roof-mounted fan system 214 includes the flashing 220around its lower end that, if properly installed (each time aroof-mounted fan system 214 is installed, replaced, etc.), will excludesuch water. Accordingly, the user 216 must lift the roofing material 328near one of the sides of the penetration 322 and apply caulk (or someother sealant) to the roof deck 326 before sliding the flashing 320underneath the temporarily lifted roofing material 328. The user 216must repeat these actions for every side of the penetration 322/fansystem.

Moreover, the user 216 must do so without damaging the remaining roofingmaterial 328; while not being able to see around the fan system; and bymaneuvering that bulky, awkward, roof-mounted fan system 214 to makeeven small positional adjustments. With roof-mounted fan systems 214heretofore-available, it is quite likely that the installation will failin at least some of these regards thereby allowing water to penetratethe building 200 (not to mention perhaps leading to an installation withan un workman-like appearance). The user 216 can then tamp the roofingmaterial 328 down over the flashing 320 of the fan system and hope thatwind does not “get under it” and remove it from the roof 204 therebyleading to yet more damage to the building. Of course, the user 216typically also has to reenter the crawl way 105 (from the other side ofthe roof 204) and connect power to the roof-mounted fan system 214.Accordingly, the installation of each heretofore-available fan systems214 tends to be time-consuming, expensive, and prone to failures,errors, omissions, etc.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a two-piece fan system with a solar panel invarious positions. The two-piece fan system 500 of the currentembodiment comprises at least two-pieces: a fan housing 502 and a base504. The two-piece fan system 500 of the current embodiment alsoincludes a solar panel 506 and adjustable bracket 508 as well asflashing 510. The fan housing 502 contains a fan, motor, and associatedbearings, races, etc. and airflow guides, vanes, etc. It thereforecontains the active mechanical components of the two-piece fan system500 of the current embodiment. Moreover, the solar panel 506 andadjustable bracket 508 operationally couple with the fan housing 502.The fan housing 502, additionally, can include wiring to electricallyconnect the solar panel 506 to the fan and perhaps some controls (forinstance, thermostats, thermal cut-off switches, remote controlcircuitry, etc.) for the fan motor.

Mechanically, the adjustable bracket 508 operatively couples the solarpanel 506 to the fan housing 502. In some embodiments, the adjustablebracket 508 includes one or more “stops,” at which it can be locked, toposition the solar panel 506 in a corresponding number of positionsrelative to the fan housing 502. Thus, the solar panel 506 pivots aboutthe fan housing 502 through an angle a1 between its stowed position (seeFIG. 6 ) and its extended position (FIG. 5 ) and through the variousintermediate stop-related positions. These positions allow a user 216 tomore accurately point the solar panel 506 at the sun or other lightsource as might be desired. Indeed, by orienting the fan housing 502 andusing the adjustable stops, users 214 can orient the solar panel 506 topoint generally toward the sun in many if not all locations includingmany north-facing roofs. A range of angle a1 from 0 degrees in thestowed position to about 45 degrees has been found to be satisfactoryfor such purposes.

In the stowed position, though, the solar panel 506 rests in the fanhousing 502 with its surface flush with the nominally upper surface ofthe fan housing 502. In this position, the adjustable brackets fold intothe housing thereby allowing the solar panel 506 to appear to beembedded in the housing and/or flush with its surface.

The fan housing 502 also defines one or more vents/drains 512. Thesevents/drains 512 provide a flow path around the solar panel 506 when thesolar panel 506 is in its stowed position, flush with (or embedded in)the fan housing 502. In this way, even when the solar panel 506 isstowed some air can flow beneath it and cool it. These vents/drains 512can also serve as finger holds for users 214 to reach underneath thesolar panel 506 and lift it to one of its non-stowed positions. Theyalso allow for water to drain from under the solar panel 506.

Furthermore, the fan housing 502 of the current embodiment defines a lowprofile and has an overall oblong, rounded shape. The vents/drainscontribute to this low profile (a height less than about 7″ in someembodiments and less than about 3″ in the current embodiment), roundedappearance in that they are formed integrally with the (nominally) upperportions of the sides of the fan housing 502. The vents/drains 512 arealso rounded at least in part for aesthetic considerations. Note thatthe fan housing can be made of some paintable material such as ABS(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic so that the two-piece fansystem 214 can be painted in accordance with user desires, localaesthetic rules, deed restrictions, ordinances, etc.

Note that FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the two pieces (the fan housing 502 andthe base 504) of the two-piece fan system 500 according to exemplaryembodiments being coupled together. FIG. 8 , in contrast, illustratesthe fan housing 502 separate and apart from any base 504. Indeed, thebase 504 can be installed on various roofs 204 with the fan housings 502being installed at some different time and/or interchanged with oneanother. In accordance with the current embodiment, therefore, the fanhousings 502 can be interchanged with one another, removed, replaced,etc. without disturbing the roof 204, the roof deck 326, the roofingmaterials 328, etc. and without tools 330 and the like. Furthermore,once a base 504 of suitable size is installed on a roof 204, the usercan “install” a “fan” by merely carrying a fan housing 502 to thealready installed base 504, placing it on the base 504, and removablycoupling that fan housing 502 to the base 502. In the current scenario,the user 216 need not carry or maneuver the (bulk of the) base 504,flashing 510, etc. Thus, the current embodiment facilitates theinstallation (and/or replacement, maintenance, etc.) of fan systemswhile eliminating much of the work, expense, and inconvenienceassociated therewith.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of a housing of a two-pieceventilation system. More particularly, FIG. 9 illustrates a fan housing900, vents/drains 912, a body 918, sides 919, a recess 920, and ribs922. As alluded to elsewhere herein, the body 918 of the fan housing 900contains a fan, its blades, etc. and defines the vent/drains 912.Additionally, in the current embodiment, the body 918 also defines therecess 920 into which the solar panel 506 fits and/or appears to beembedded (when stowed) in the housing. Those solar panels 506 can bemade from a variety of materials, including but not limited topolycrystalline, multicrystaline, monocrystaline, etc. without departingfrom the scope of the current disclosure. In some embodiments, the body918 also defines one or more of the ribs 922 on its nominally uppersurface in the recess 920. These ribs 922 can provide a degree ofrigidity to that surface and can allow some space between it and thesolar panel 506 (when stowed). This space can allow the solar panel 506to breath and thus remain relatively cool during operation (and duringnon-operation). This space also allows the area under/behind the solarpanel 506 to drain should moisture be present.

FIG. 10 further illustrates an exploded view of a housing for atwo-piece fan system. More particularly, FIG. 10 illustrates the fansystem 1000 and its housing 1002, solar panel 1006, adjustable brackets1008, cowling 1030, closure 1032, fan motor 1034, fan blades 1036,bosses 1038, fastener holes 1039, and rails/locks 1040. Generally, thefan motor and blades 1034 and 1036 (as a unit) respectively fit insidethe cowling 1030 which fits inside the housing 1002. The closure 1032along with the housing 1002 (and appropriate fasteners) closes the fan1000 as an assembly and clamps it together. As is disclosed further withregard to FIG. 11 , the closure 1032 defines at least one aperture thatallows the fan to draw air into itself while the cowling 1030 is shapedand dimensioned to smoothly turn that flowing air with relatively lowhead loss back toward the closure 1032 in a relatively small axialdistance (less than 4-7″ in many embodiments). In some embodiments, thecowling 1030 eliminates air pockets and associated energy wasting eddycurrents therein. The cowling 1030 can also include guide vanes for theair if desired. The closure 1032 also defines at least one aperturewhich allows the (turned) airflow to exit the fan system 1000. Thus, theair flows upward through the closure 1032, through the fan blades 1036(which drive the airflow at least in part), through the tum guided bythe cowling 1030, and then back out through the closure 1032.

As further illustrated by FIG. 10 , the closure 1032 defines one or morebosses 1038 with holes adapted to receive closure fasteners. Those holesalign with the fastener holes 1039 on the housing 1002. Thus, with thecowling 1030 and fan blades 1036 and fan motor 1034 in the housing 1002,fasteners can be used to assemble the fan system 1000 into a separate,stand-alone unit.

FIG. 10 also shows that the solar panel 1006 can include or beoperationally coupled to the adjustable brackets 1008. The adjustablebracket 1008 can cooperate with the corresponding rails/locks 1040 toallow users to adjust the position of the solar panel 1006 with respectto the housing 1002. The rail/locks 1040 can also, or in thealternative, cooperate with the adjustable brackets 1008 to lock thesolar panel 1006 in one or more of those positions.

In the current embodiment, a frame 1041 surrounds, holds, and/orsupports the solar panel 1006. While the frame 1041 of the currentembodiment can provide structural support to the solar panel, anotherfunction it provides is to shield the solar panel 1006 from theenvironment, physical damage/abuse, and form being seen. Thus, the frame1041 aids in preserving the aesthetic appearance of the fan systemand/or its housings. Furthermore, the frame 1041 can be (spray) paintedin accordance with user desires, homeowner association rules,ordinances, etc. A backing 1042 can also be applied to the side of thesolar panel 1006 closest to the body of the two-piece fan system 1000.It too can be painted and/or it can be black so as to shield thebackside of the solar panel from view and to aid in the aestheticfeatures of the fan system.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a two-piece fan system.More particularly it shows the fan motor 1034 and fan blades 1036assembled within the cowling 1030 which is itself within the housing1002. Further, FIG. 11 illustrates the closure 1032 fastened to thehousing (via fasteners in the fastener holes 1039 and bosses 1038) andclamping the fan assembly 1102 together. FIG. 11 also shows thetwo-piece fan system 1100 with the solar panel 1006 operationallycoupled to the fan assembly 1102 via the adjustable bracket 1008.Moreover, FIG. 11 illustrates the base 1104 includes flashing 1110,where the base 1104 is releasably attached to the fan assembly 1102.Note that the fan assembly 1102 and base 1104 can be separated from oneanother with, if desired, the base 1104 being coupled to and/or beinginstalled on a roof or other structure. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 11 , furthermore, the various components of the two-piece fansystem 1100 are coaxial with one another although they need not be forthe practice of the current embodiment.

Moreover, FIG. 11 illustrates a motor bracket 1120. In the currentembodiment, the motor bracket 1120 defines various attachment pointscorresponding to various motors. Thus, it can allow for the interchangeof motors as might be desired. The motor bracket 1120 can also providephysical protection to the motor and/or its coupling to the fan bladesagainst mechanical damage from, for instance, animals that might intrudeinto the fan housing. This feature helps keep the fan blades in balance,running smoothly, and without undue noise.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of a pair of closures for two-piecefan systems. Both closures 1200A and B include a generally planar body1202A and B shaped and dimensioned to fit into the open end of varioushousings 1002. The closures 1200A and B also define, respectively,central apertures 1204A and B through which the various fans (or fanblades 1136) can draw air. The closures 1200A and B also defined aplurality of apertures 1206A and B through which air, driven by the fanblades 1136, can flow from the fans. In some embodiments, the closures1200 can include a screen over one or more of the apertures to, forinstance, keep insects, birds, rodents, other animals, debris, water,etc. out of the fans.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a two-piece fan system. Moreparticularly, FIG. 13 illustrates a two-piece fan system 1300 includinga fan assembly 1302, a riser 1303, and a base 1304. The fan assembly1302, of the current embodiment, includes a fan (a motor and a set ofblades in this embodiment), a housing, and a closure. In FIG. 13 a solarpanel is not shown although the two-piece fan system 1300 could includea solar panel with or without adjustable brackets. The base 1304includes a flashing and is shaped and dimensioned to be attached to aroof, roof curb, or other structure and to lend the two-piece fan system1300 stability when installed.

In the current embodiment, the two-piece fan system 1300 also includesthe riser 1303 which could be considered as a part of the base 1304 orthe fan assembly 1302 or even a third component/assembly of the“two-piece” fan system 1300. The riser 1303 is shaped and dimensioned toreside between the fan assembly 1302 and the base 1304. While it can becoaxial with the other pieces of the two-piece fan system 1300, it doesadd height to the two-piece fan system 1300. In other words, the riser1303 (or extender) spaces the fan assembly 1302 apart from the roof orother structure to which the two-piece fan system 1300 might be mounted.Thus, should water, snow, ice, debris, etc. accumulate around the base1304, the operation of the fan system can remain relatively un-affected.But, the extension need not be in a vertical direction to practice thecurrent embodiment.

Moreover, because the open end of the riser 1303 (when installed on abase 1304) might be clear of such debris, a two-piece fan system 1300(or rather a fan assembly 1302 of a two-piece fan system 1300) can beinstalled even in the presence of that debris in many cases. Indeed,since 5-6″ of snow is often considered to be good insulation, users caninstall fan assemblies on risers with lengths of about 6″ withoutdisturbing that snow. For roofs covered with sod, dirt, grass, sand,gravel, etc. two-piece fan systems (with risers and/or riser portions)of embodiments provide similar features.

FIG. 13 also illustrates that risers 1303 of the current embodiment caninclude two sets of quick attachment coupling halves, male half 1310 andfemale half 1312. These coupling halves 1310 and 1312 can be shaped anddimensioned to mate with corresponding coupling male halves 1314 on thebases 1304 and fan assemblies 1302. Also, if desired, one set of thecoupling halves 1310 or 1312 can be adapted to mate with correspondingcoupling halves on the fan assemblies 1302 while the other set (on theriser 1303) can be adapted to mate with the coupling halves on the bases1304. In such manners, risers 1303 can be stacked one atop another toextend the fan assemblies 1302 to lengths determined by the dimensionsof the selected risers 1303 and/or their numbers. If desired, thevarious coupling halves 1310, 1312, and/or 1314 can be adapted to pullthe various components/assemblies 1302, 1303, and/or 1304 into closefitting and/or weather proof alignment with one another. Additionally,or in the alternative, these components 1302, 1303, and/or 1304 can beadapted to be used with gaskets, O-rings, sealants, and/or otherweatherproofing techniques to prevent water intrusion, air infiltration,etc. through the joints there between.

FIG. 14 illustrates such a two-piece fan system installed on a roof witha riser 1303 installed between the fan assembly 1302 and the base 1304.FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a two-piece fan system andmultiple risers 1503A and 1503B installed therewith. FIG. 15 also showsthat such multi-riser two-piece fan systems 1500 can include a solarpanel and adjustable brackets) coupled thereto. FIG. 16 illustrates atwo-piece fan system with a riser installed on a roof. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 16 , the riser 1603 is configured to tum through anangle α2. That angle α2 could correspond to one of the common angles atwhich roofs are pitched although it need not do so. In such casesthough, the use of the angled riser 1603 can serve to turn theorientation of the two-piece fan system (or fan assembly 1602) to somedesired direction such as vertical (as shown). Moreover, in someembodiments, one or more risers can be used in combination/conjunctionwith other risers whether straight, angled, or otherwise. FIG. 16 alsoillustrates, in at least some sense, that the base 1604 can beconsidered an assembly. For instance, the base 1604 could define orcomprise a flashing portion 1610 coupled to a riser portion 1630. Theriser portion 1630 could further define, comprise, be coupled to, etc.quick attachment couplings.

FIG. 17 illustrates a corrugated roof and bases for two-piece fansystems. More particularly, the corrugated roof 1700 of the currentembodiment includes a portion 1702 which appears trapezoidal when viewedin cross-section and a portion 1704 which appears sinusoidal incross-section. The corrugated roof 1700 also includes two bases 1706 and1708 which, respectively define flashings with corresponding corrugatedtrapezoidal and sinusoidal cross-sections. Thus, embodiments allowtwo-piece fan systems to be installed on, mounted on, attached to, etc.corrugated roofs without altering the corresponding risers and/or fanassemblies.

FIG. 18 illustrates a quick attachment coupling for exemplaryventilation systems according to embodiments of the present inventionand FIG. 18A illustrates a cross-sectional view a first half of thequick attachment coupling as seen along line AA of the first half inFIG. 18 . More particularly, FIGS. 18 and 18A illustrate that the quickattachment coupling 1800 of the current embodiment defines a male half1804 and a female half 1802 with the two halves being designed toreleasably engage each other and to releasably couple assemblies oftwo-piece fan systems together. Thus, these male and female halves 1804and 1802, respectively, can be shaped and dimensioned to withstand wind(and/or other) loads likely to be imposed on various two-piece fansystems with and/or without risers. Additionally, these coupling halves1802 and 1804 can be shaped and dimensioned to draw the fan assembliestogether with sufficient force to form a seal there between in thepresence and/or absence of gaskets, O-rings, and/or other sealingstructures/devices.

With continuing reference to FIG. 18 , the female half 1802 of thecurrent embodiment can define a relatively large aperture 1806 which canaccept a corresponding and/or relatively large portion 1810 of the malehalf 1804. These structures allow the halves 1802 and 1804 to engageeach other and disengage from each other. The female half 1802 can alsodefines a narrow aperture 1812 which can accept a corresponding smallportion 1814 of the male half 1804. Thus, once the halves 1802 and 1804are engaged with each other, the narrow portion 1814 of the male half1804 can be slid along the narrow aperture 1812 of the female half 1802so that the halves 1802 and 1804 can remain engaged with each otherdespite axial forces imposed on their corresponding fan assemblies. Thehalves 1802 and 1804 can also remain in sliding engagement with oneanother (at least for some distance) in such circumstances even if sometorsional forces attempt to rotate one fan assembly relative to theother in the current embodiment. Nonetheless, such features allowassemblies of embodiments to be releasably coupled to one another with atwist of one assembly relative to another.

FIG. 18 illustrates that the male and female halves 1804 and 1802,respectively, define guide surfaces 1815 and 1816. These guide surfaces1815 and 1816 can be shaped and dimensioned such that, as the couplinghalves 1802 and 1804 slide relative to one another, the guide surfaces1815 and 1816 urge the halves 1802 and 1804 toward one another (axially)thereby drawing the respective assemblies into abutting relationship.Moreover, the guide surfaces 1815 and 1816 can be configured to impartenough force on the respective fan assemblies to form a seal therebetween.

That seal can be made, enhanced, etc. with a gasket, O-ring, etc. whichmight/might not be positioned in a groove 1820 in the surface of one fanassembly or another.

Further still, in some embodiments, the quick attachment coupling 1800includes a latch 1822. The latch 1822 can be positioned on the fanassembly with the female half 1802 to releasably capture the male half1804 as the halves engage each other. In some embodiments, the latch1822 (and the coupling halves 1802 and 1804) is configured andpositioned to be released manually. In addition, or in the alternative,the latch 1822 can be biased into a position (for instance alocked/latched position) by a biasing members such as a spring 1824.

FIG. 19 illustrates a base for a two-piece fan system and FIG. 19Aillustrates a cross-sectional of the base 1904 of FIG. 19 . The base1904 of the current embodiment mates with rectangular roof curbs 1906 sothat two-piece fan systems can be mounted thereon in accordance withembodiments. Instead of a flashing, the base 1904 defines an adaptor1910 shaped and dimensioned to mate with the roof curb 1906 and to sealthereto. Quick attachment couplings, fasteners, etc. can be used tosecure the adaptor 1910 (and base 1904) to the roof curb 1906. Moreover,the adaptor 1910 can further define a lip 1912 which can aid inregistering the base 1904 with the roof curb 1906. The lip 1912 can alsoassist in sealing the joint between the base 1904 and the roof curb 1906and can be used as a location for quick attachment couplings, fasteners,etc. for securing the base 1904 to the roof curb 1906.

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary circuit associated withsome exemplary ventilation systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention. More particularly, FIG. 20 illustrates a circuit 2000which includes a fan motor 2002, a solar panel (or solar cells) 2004, asource of (120 VAC) line power 2006, an inverter 2008, an on/off switchand/or breaker) 2010, a thermostat 2012, a thermal cutoff switch 2014,an isolator 2016, and two pairs of contacts 2020 and 2022, quickdisconnects, etc. Generally, the solar panel 2004 and line power 2006may be wired in parallel across the fan motor 2002 in the exemplaryembodiment. Moreover, the contacts 2020 allow those components on thefan assembly to be connected to (and disconnected from) line power 2006while the contacts 2022 allow the solar panel to be electrically (dis)connected to the fan motor 2002.

Of course, fan systems of embodiments could operate on only one of thesolar panel 2004 or line power 2006. In such embodiments, the circuit2000 can be simplified accordingly. Indeed, where power is onlyavailable from the solar panel 2004, the fan motor 2002 will slowdown/stop as the light fades thereby allowing natural convection/breezesto ventilate the crawl way 105 during dark periods.

Nonetheless, the inverter 2008 illustrated by FIG. 20 converts the linepower 2006 to DC (direct current) power compatible with the fan motor2002 which can be selected to be driven by DC power from either/both ofthe solar panel 2004 and/or the inverter 2008 (and, thus, line power2006). The isolator 2016 can be included in the circuit 2000 so as toprotect the solar panel 2004 from being back-driven by that DC power.Moreover, the thermostat 20 12 can determine when the fan motor 2002runs responsive to the temperature sensed by the thermostat 2012 whileon/off switch 2010 allows users to control the fan motor 2002 at leastas far as line power 2006 might be involved. Of course, if desired, thefan motor 2002 can be instrumented with the thermal cutoff switch 2013to shut it off if it should over-heat.

FIG. 20 also schematically illustrates that the on/off switch 2010 andthe source of line power 2006 can be located in/on the building on whichthe fan system is to be mounted. Meanwhile, the remaining componentsillustrated by FIG. 20 can be located on the fan assembly (or if desiredthe base or riser) associated with the circuit 2000. A pair of wires2024 can run through the fan assembly from the components there ontoward the riser/base. These wires 1024 can be routed through theriser/base and thence to some connection point and can terminate in thecontacts 2020. In some embodiments, the wires 1024 run external to thefan assembly and can be routed through the building/environment outsideof the fan system, fan assembly, riser, base, etc. although they neednot be so routed to practice embodiments. Another pair of wires 1026 canbe routed through the fan assembly/riser/base so that the thermostat2012 can be removably (re) located in or near the inlet of the base,riser, fan assembly.

In some embodiments, though, the those wires 1026 further comprise a 36″(or other length) cable allowing the thermostat 2012 to be located at alocation with temperatures representative of the crawl way 105. Forinstance, the area/strata of air near the roof apex is often warmer thanthe overall crawl way 105. Placing the thermostat 2012 elsewhere (forinstance lower) in the crawl way 105 by using the wires 2026 can allowfor control of the fan motor 2002 responsive to temperatures morerepresentative of overall conditions in the crawl way 105.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method related to two-piece fansystems. The method 2100 includes numerous activities such asidentifying a desire for improved ventilation. See reference 2102. Thatdesire might arise from a user noticing that one or more air-conditionedspaces 103 in a building 100 has been and/or has become warmer thandesired. In some cases that desire might arise from a user noticing thata crawl way 105 has become susceptible to mold, mildew, etc. Of course,many circumstances could prompt a user to desire improved ventilationand, indeed, these circumstances might occur in various combinations.

With continuing reference to FIG. 21 , one response to such situationsis to install (or change) a fan system that ventilates the crawl way 105of the building 100. Doing so would probably remove warm air from thecrawl way 105 and allow warm air from elsewhere to rise to the crawl way105 where it would also be removed. Such airflow would tend to cool thecrawl way 105, the HVAC equipment 106 and/or ducts 108 therein as wellas likely reducing the heat load(s) on the air-conditioned spaces 103 ofFIG. 1 .

Therefore, given the size of the building 100, its air-conditionedspaces 103, the solar insolation in the building's environment, likelyweather/climate conditions, the likely occupancy/use of the building,etc. a user can select a fan assembly by size and/or type for use inventilating the crawl way 105. With heretofore available fan systems,once a user installs the selected fan system, a change or modificationto that fan system (or selection thereof) might necessitate are-engineering/re-design of the installation-site as well as, perhaps,performing again most (if not all) of the installation procedures forthe (newly) selected heretofore available fan system. Thus, with suchfan systems, changing a selection and/or replacing an existing fan couldbe comparatively expensive. In contrast, many of these adverseconsequences can be avoided with two-piece fan systems of embodimentsalthough doing so is not necessary for the practice of embodiments.

With reference again to FIG. 21 , method 2100 can continue with a userselecting various assemblies with which to build/install a two-piece fansystem 1300 (FIG. 13 ) of embodiments. For instance, a user can select abase 1304 by its diameter (or size as pertinent to HVAC considerations),the type of roof 104 it is to be installed on, its shape (for instance,round or rectangular), etc. Moreover, the user can select the base 1304independently of their selection of the fan assembly 1302. See reference2104. If desired, the user can select one or more risers 1303 for usewith the base 1304. These risers 1303 can be straight, angled, etc. andthe user can select more than one riser 1303 if desired. Thus, the usercan design a two-piece fan system 1300 while accommodating localconcerns such as the possibility that rain, snow, ice, debris, etc.might accumulate on the roof 104 near the fan system 1300.

Method 2100 can continue with the user selecting a fan assembly 1302.The user can base this selection on the size of the fan desired (forinstance, desired flow rate, head/pressure, energy consumption, etc.),its type (axial, centrifugal, mixed, etc.), etc. See reference 2106.Again, the user can make the selection of the fan assembly 1302 and base1304 (and riser) more or less independently of one another provided thatthey are generally the same size and shape at the joint where they areto be coupled to one another.

At some point, a user can install the base 1304. Installing the base1304 can be performed at a different time, by different users, withdifferent tools, etc. than the installation of the fan assembly 1302(and/or riser 1303). Thus, for instance, the installation of the base1304 could be performed by a user(s) with mechanical/carpentry skillswhile installation of the fan assembly 1302 could be performed by a userwith enough electronic skill to make the electrical connections and/ormechanical skills to install the fan assembly 1302 and/or the solarpanel.

The installation of the base 1304 can include various activities. Forinstance, a user can enter the crawl way 105 (or other space oppositethe intended location of the fan system) and mark an appropriatelocation for the center of the fan system. Often, the user will identifya location between two rafters 324 and mark that location with anyconvenient writing, marking, etc. tool. The user can then drill a holethrough the roof 104 so that the desired location of the fan systembecomes apparent from the other side of the roof. The user, moreover,can then access the other side of the roof and use a compass or othertool to mark the outline of the duct-space defined by the base 1304.Using that marking as a guide, the user can then cut through the roof todefine the penetration 322 through which air will flow as induced by thefan system. Thus, the user can locate the position of theto-be-installed fan system as indicated at reference 2108.

Further still, the user can lift the roofing material 328 of the roof102 adjacent to the penetration 322 in preparation for installing thebase 1302 and, if desired, apply caulking (or some other sealant) to theroof deck 326 in preparation for sealing the base 1304 to the roof. Theuser can then, if desired, slide one side of the flashing 1310 under anappropriate portion of the roofing material 328 and then maneuver thebase 1302 alone (sans the fan assembly 1302, riser 1303, etc.) into itsfinal place on the roof 104 and/or over the penetration 322. Thus, muchof the inconvenience, difficulty, awkwardness, etc. of working withthese bulky, heretofore available fan systems can be eliminated. Thiscondition can facilitate the work, reduce associated expenses, and/orreduce the likelihood/severity of mistakes, oversights, etc.Furthermore, the user can use fasteners to fasten the base 1304 to theroof deck 326. See reference 2110.

FIG. 21 also illustrates (at reference 2116) the method of coupling ariser, such as riser 1303 of FIG. 13 to a base, such as the base 1304 ofFIG. 13 . More particularly, in accordance with embodiments, the usercan maneuver the riser 1303 to the vicinity of the base 1304 (after itis installed if desired) and roughly align coupling halves, such ascoupling halves 1312 and 1310/1314 of FIG. 13 or coupling halves 1802and 1804 of FIG. 18 , with one another. Once the halves 1802 and 1804are roughly aligned, the user can engage the male half 1802 and thefemale half 1804 and then (by maneuvering/twisting the riser 1303)translate one relative to the other thereby causing a latch, such aslatch 1820 of FIG. 18 , to latch/lock the halves together. Thus, theuser can mount the riser 1303 to the base 1304 and do so without tools.Note that at this point that much of the overall two-piece fan system(in terms of physical envelope size) is installed.

In many situations, the fan assembly 1302 (including the fan motor)might be the heavier of the two (or three or more) pieces of the fansystem. Thus, at reference 2118, the method shows the user installing afan assembly, such as fan assembly 1302 of FIG. 13 , as a separate pieceon the base 1304 and/or riser 1303. Since the user is doing so with onlythe fan assembly 1302 (and not the base 1304 or riser 1303) in theirhands, such activities might be easier, more convenient, less awkward,etc. than would otherwise be the case. Thus, the user can maneuver thefan assembly 1302 into the proximity of the base/riser 130411303 androughly align corresponding coupling halves, such as coupling halves1312 and 1310/1314 of FIG. 13 or coupling halves 1802 and 1804.Moreover, the user can then latch the coupling in place with a twist. Inthe alternative, or in addition, types of couplings other thantwist-on/off couplings can be used to couple the various assembliestogether. For instance, bayonet fittings could be used. Of course, theuser could install the fan assembly 1302 with a riser 1303 attachedthereto if desired.

In some embodiments, the user can attend to certain electrical portionsof the installation. For instance, the user can place the thermostat2012 at a location where it can sense temperatures in (or associatedwith) the crawl way 105. See reference 2120. If the thermostat is acomponent of the fan assembly 1302, the user might not need to do sothough since it could be pre-located in the fan assembly 1302 (orattached thereto) during manufacture. In accordance with embodimentsthough, the user can connect the connectors 2020 to line power ifdesired. See reference 2121.

Method 2100 also shows that the user can mount a solar panel to the fanassembly as at reference 2122. If the solar panel 1306 is a separatecomponent of the fan assembly 1302, the user can also connect theconnections 2022 (FIG. 13 ). Additionally, in accordance withembodiments, the user can point the solar panel 1306 toward the sun byadjusting the adjustable brackets 1308 and, perhaps, locking them it ina selected position. Note also that with angled risers, the installationof the angled riser (disclosed elsewhere herein) can include adjustingthe orientation of that angled riser to be compatible with obtaining asatisfactory “sun angle” for the solar panel 1306. See reference 2124.FIG. 21 also shows that the user can turn the fan system on as indicatedat reference 2128 and/or verify its operation.

At some point, though, it might become desirable to change the fansystem. For instance, use of the building, occupancy of the building,heat loads, etc. could change or the user might desire a different fanspecifications. See reference 2130. Thus, the user could select anotherfan assembly 1302 and/or riser(s) 1303. Since the base 1304 is alreadyinstalled, the user need not select another base 1304 although theycould. See reference 2132. Such features allow suppliers of these fansystems to reduce their stocks of fan system parts since they can mixand match fan assemblies, risers, bases, etc. as desired by end users.Moreover, here, the user could then repeat all or portions of method2100 as indicated at reference 2134. Note that if the inter-change of afan assembly is interrupted for some time, covering the aperture of theriser is generally easier, more convenient than trying to cover a rawpenetration through the roof. For instance, a plastic bag can bestretched over the riser to close the aperture as opposed to having toplace a tarp over a penetration and some how securing the tarp andexcluding runoff from entering the penetration anyway. Of course, if theuser is satisfied with the fan system as installed or for other reasons,method 2100 can end.

FIG. 22 illustrates a quick attachment coupling for multi-piece fansystems. The multi-piece fan system 200 of the current embodimentcomprises two assemblies 2202 and 2204 which can be bases, risers, fanassemblies etc. As FIG. 22 illustrates the multi-piece fan system 2200includes a quick attachment coupling 2240. In the current embodiment,the quick attachment coupling 2240 includes a flexible detent 2250,catch, dog, pawl, ratchet, etc. and a post 2204 or other protrusionwhich the flexible detent 2250 can engage. When the two assemblies 2202and 2204 are mated, the post 2254 (on one assembly 2204) extends throughan aperture 2252 defined by the other assembly 2202. The flexible detent2250 operationally couples with the assembly 2202 which defines theaperture 2252 in the current embodiment. The flexible detent 2250 can bemade of metal, plastic, etc.

Moreover, the flexible detent 2250 is positioned relative to theaperture 2252 (and/or the post 2254) such that when the assembliesrotate and/or twist relative to one another, the flexible detent 2250engages the post and flexes allowing the post 2250 to pass relative toitself. A hook 2260 defined by the flexible detent 2250 can then catchon the post 2254 thereby securing the assemblies 2202 and 2204 to eachother. Note that the flexibility of the flexible detent 2250 (and/orshape of the hook 2260) can be selected so that some select amount oftorque must be applied (in the opposite direction of rotation) toovercome the detent and free the flexible detent 2250 from the post2254. In the alternative, or in addition, the quick attachment coupling2240 can be disengaged, manually, with a tool, etc. by pressing on,pulling, etc. the flexible detent 2250 and/or post 2254.

While certain terms have been used herein which might imply certaindirections or orientations, these terms are used merely for the sake ofconvenience and are non-limiting. For instance, the term “height” is adimensional term as used herein but does not imply that that dimensionnecessarily lies along a vertical or even approximately verticaldirection. Thus, fans, fan assemblies, risers, bases, etc. ofembodiments disclosed herein are not limited to any particularorientation.

Embodiments provide two-piece fan systems with highly efficient solarpanels. These solar panels can be monocrystalline and can produce 22watts at 17.6 VDC/1.22 amps. Fan motors of embodiments can be brushless,high reliability, high efficiency motors capable of operating at 6-100VDC and in some embodiments (more specifically 12-36 VDC). Moreover,fans of embodiments can include sets of five nylon/polymeric blades.Fans comprising such motors and blades can ventilate areas of 1800square feet and can induce 1300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and/or moreor less airflow. In some embodiments, the fan assemblies include one ACmotor wired to interconnects at which it can receive AC power (forinstance 120 VAC) from the building power system and one DC motor wiredto interconnects at which it can receive DC power from a solar paneland/or other source.

Housings of embodiments can be made from aluminum, galvanized steel,various plastics such as automotive grade ABS, high-impact resistantplastic, etc. Housings of the current embodiment can also be UV(ultraviolet) stabilized and can include embedded fire retardantresin(s). These housings can also be configured to double lock withtheir respective (and separate) bases. In embodiments, the doublelocking can be via keyhole standoffs which guide the two connectingpieces together. A flexible metal pin on one or the other of the matingpieces/assemblies can be configured to snap in place to secure theassemblies together. Because the bases and housings/fan assemblies ofembodiments are separate components, installation, support, maintenance,etc. can be easier than with heretofore-available fan systems. In someembodiments, fan assemblies can be about 24″ by about 24″ by about 7″ insize and can weigh about 26 pounds. Bases of the current embodiment canbe about 28″ by about 28″ by about 11.″ Furthermore, fan systems ofembodiments comprise thermal switches and thermoballs (and/or otherdevices capable of measuring temperature which can regulate the variousfan systems disclosed hereon (for instance) 36″ cables. Two-piece fansystems of embodiments convert passive ventilation to active ventilationand can extend the life of roofs, AC units, stored valuables, etc. andcan reduce moisture and mildew. Two-piece fan systems of embodiments areresistant to even extreme weather and windstorm rated and certified.Such fans reduce HVAC costs and cooling cycles. They also increase airexchanges so that even if solar heat causes temperatures to soar inattics, crawl spaces, and the like, properly balanced fans ofembodiments increase air exchanges to as many as ten times per hour. Theincreased air exchange in accordance with embodiments keeps livingspaces cooler and saves building owners money.

FIGS. 23-28 illustrate various views of an exemplary ventilation system2300 according to embodiments of the present invention. The exemplaryventilation system 2300 of FIGS. 23-28 is similar in structure to thetwo-piece fan systems described with reference to FIGS. 5-20 and FIG. 22. FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary ventilationsystem 2300 according to embodiments of the present invention. Theexemplary ventilation system 2300 of FIG. 23 includes a base unit 2302and a fan unit 2312.

The base unit 2302 of FIG. 23 has a mounting platform 2304 forconnecting the base unit 2302 to a surface having a surface opening. Thesurface to which the mounting platform 2304 of FIG. 23 is connected may,for example, be the roof deck 326 of FIG. 3 having a penetration 322. Ofcourse, this is for example only and not for limitation. The exteriorsurface of any enclosed space may be useful for connecting a mountingplatform of a ventilation system according to embodiment of the presentinvention. For example, the ventilation system 2300 of FIG. 23 may bemounted vertically, for example, to a wall having a hole through whichventilation is desired or mounted to a vertical wall in a horizontalconfiguration using an ‘L’ shaped riser adapter.

Even though the mounting platform 2304 of FIG. 23 is depicted as flat inshape, the mounting platform for connecting a base unit according toembodiments of the present invention might vary in shape from oneparticular surface to another. For example, exemplary mounting platformsuseful in embodiments of the present invention may have features orconfigurations that correspond to various roof features orconfigurations, thereby permitting such exemplary mounting platforms tomate and/or connect with such roofs. See, for example, the two bases1706 and 1708 of FIG. 17 , which respectively define flashings withcorresponding corrugated trapezoidal and sinusoidal cross-sections, andthe base 1904 of FIGS. 19 and 19A that define an adaptor 1910 shaped anddimensioned to mate with the roof curb 1906 and to seal thereto.

The base unit 2302 of FIG. 23 also includes a base collar 2306. The basecollar 2306 of FIG. 23 extends away from the mounting platform 2304 (andthe surface to which the mounting platform 2304 connects) toward thelocation where the fan unit 2312 connects to the base unit 2302. Becausethe base collar 2306 of FIG. 23 rises above the plane established by themounting platform 2304, the base collar 2306 provides a gap region 2318between the mounting platform 2304 and the fan unit 2312. The gap region2318 of FIG. 23 keeps the fan unit 2312 above any water runoff from thesurface on which the mounting platform 2304 is connected and provides aspace into which the fan unit can expel air being ventilated by theexemplary ventilation system 2300. Such a configuration allows for theair outlets of the exemplary fan unit 2312 to be configured on theunderside of the fan unit 2312 which helps prevent precipitation such asrain or snow from entering the air outlets.

For further description of the base collar 2306 and the gap region 2318,FIG. 24 illustrates a left view of the exemplary base unit 2302 usefulin ventilation systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention, and FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplarybase unit 2302 useful in ventilation systems according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

The base collar 2306 of FIGS. 23, 24, 25, and 25A serves to form aperimeter 2500 (shown on FIG. 25 ) of a base opening 2310 through thebase unit 2302 that corresponds to the surface opening through thesurface to which the mounting platform 2304 is connected. The baseopening 2310 formed by the base collar 2306 of FIG. 23 need notprecisely match the size and shape of the opening in the surface towhich the exemplary ventilation system 2300 is mounted. The base opening2310 of FIG. 23 may be smaller or larger than such an opening thesurface (e.g., roof).

As shown in FIG. 24 , the base collar 2306 includes a flange 2400 aroundthe base collar 2306 at an opposite end of the base collar from themounting platform 2304. The flange 2400 of FIG. 24 is structured as aflat ring at the top of the base collar 2306. This flange 2400 providesadditional structural integrity for the base collar 2306 and provides aplatform for connecting to a fan unit such as the fan unit 2312 shown inFIG. 23 . As depicted, the space between the flange 2400 and themounting platform 2304 of FIG. 24 form the gap region 2318.

As mentioned, the exemplary ventilation system 2300 of FIGS. 23-28 alsoincludes a fan unit 2312. The exemplary fan unit 2312 is described withreference to FIGS. 23, 26 and 26A. FIG. 26 illustrates a perspectiveview of the exemplary fan unit 2312 useful in ventilation systemsaccording to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 26A illustratesan exploded view of the exemplary fan unit 2312 useful in ventilationsystems according to embodiments of the present invention.

The exemplary fan unit 2312 of FIG. 23 includes a fan housing 2314 and afan (2606 in FIGS. 26 and 26A). The fan housing 2314 of FIG. 23 isconfigured to receive air through an inlet (2602 in FIG. 26A) and expelthe air through an outlet (2604 in FIG. 26A). The inlet of the fanhousing 2314 in the example of FIG. 23 is configured to correspond tothe base opening 2310 so that air passing through the base opening 2310enters the fan housing 2314 through the air inlet (2602 in FIG. 26A),which in this example is circular in shape as shown in FIGS. 26 and 26A.The outlet of the fan housing 2314 of FIG. 23 is configured as a ringaround the inlet 2602 (shown in FIG. 26A). The outlet 2604 dischargesthe air into the gap region 2318 of FIG. 23 for further dissipation intothe surrounding environment.

The exemplary fan housing 2314 of FIGS. 23, 26, and 26A includes a fanhousing base 2600, an airflow diverter 2608, and a fan housing cover2612, all shown in FIG. 26A. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated,the fan housing base 2600, the airflow diverter 2608, and the fanhousing cover 2612 are held together with screws 2614. Such attachmentis for example only and not for limitation. These components 2600, 2608,and 2612 may be held together via snap attachments, quick-releaseattachments, or may even be molded together. The fan housing cover 2612of FIG. 26A provides the structure for connecting other components andprotecting the inner components from the weather outside of the fan unit2312. For example, the fan housing cover 2612 of FIG. 26A includes slots2622A, 2622B for receiving the connection tabs 2624A, 2624B (also shownon FIG. 28 ) on the fan housing base 2600 after passing through tabopenings 2626A, 2626B of the airflow diverter 2608—effectivelysandwiching the airflow diverter 2608 between the fan housing base 2600and fan housing cover 2612. The same structure exists on the other sideof the fan housing cover 2612 where slots 2628 are configured. The fanhousing base 2600, the airflow diverter 2608, and the fan housing cover2612 are held together with screws 2614 that pass through holes in theslots 2622A, 2622B and connection tabs 2624A, 2624B. In addition, thefan housing cover 2600 includes screw receptacles or housings thatenable the fan 2606 to be held in place via screws (not shown) that passthrough an opening 2630 in the air flow diverter 2608.

The air flow diverter 2608 of FIG. 26A is formed to guide the air fromthe inlet 2602 to the outlet 2604. In the exemplary fan unit 2312, theairflow diverter 2608 of FIG. 26A is configured to be ovoidal in shape.The ovoidal shape of the airflow diverter 2608 of FIG. 26A refers to theshape being similar to the 3-dimensional surface generated by rotatingan oval curve around an axis. For further explanation, FIG. 27illustrates a top view of the airflow diverter 2608 of FIG. 26A. FIG.27A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the airflow diverter 2608 ofFIG. 27 along line B-B. In FIG. 27A, an oval curve 2700 is rotated abouta vertical axis 2702 to form 3-dimensional surface 2704.

Turning back to FIG. 26A, the airflow diverter 2608 has an inner region2618 and an outer region 2620A, 2620B. The inner region 2618 of theairflow diverter 2608 is configured adjacent to the inlet 2602 to allowair to flow through the air inlet 2602 into the inner region of the 2618of the airflow diverter 2608. The inner region 2618 of FIG. 26A is acircular space configured nearest to the center of the airflow diverter2608. The outer region 2620A, 2620B of FIG. 26A is a ring configuredaround the inner region 2618 of the airflow diverter 2608. Thedemarcation between the inner region 2618 and the outer region 2620A,2620B of FIG. 26A corresponding to the configuration of the inlet 2602and outlet 2604 formed in the fan housing base 2600.

Air flows into the inner region 2618 as the fan 2606 rotates the fanblades and draws air from outside the fan unit 2312 up through the baseopening (2310 on FIG. 23 ) and further through the inlet 2602 of FIG.26A. Air moves along the airflow diverter 2608 from the inner region2618 to the outer region 2620A, 2620B in FIG. 26A as the fan 2606continues to draw air into the inner region 2618, thereby displacing theair already in the inner region 2618 and forcing the air to move to theouter region 2620A, 2620B of the airflow diverter 2608. The outer region2620A, 2620B is configured adjacent to the outlet 2604. As air continuesto be moved from the inner region 2618 to the outer region 2620A, 2620B,the air that is already present in the outer region 2620A, 2620B isdisplaced and expelled through the air outlet 2604 into the gap region2318 (shown on FIG. 23 ) for dissipation into the surroundingenvironment.

In the example of FIG. 26A, the airflow diverter 2608 includes variousvanes 2610 for directing the air from the inlet 2602 to the outlet 2604.This prevents air from just circulating around and around the outerregion 2620A, 2620B of the airflow diverter 2608 and forces air throughthe outlet 2604. The vanes 2610 of FIG. 26A increase the overallefficiency of the fan 2606 moving air through the inlet 2602 andsubsequently expelling that air through the outlet 2604, which has theadvantage of saving power in the exemplary system.

One of skill in the art will recognize that other configurations of anairflow diverter and placement of the inlet and outlet may be useful inembodiments of the present invention. Factors that may effect theconfigurations of an airflow diverter and placement of an inlet andoutlet in such other embodiments may include the overall orientation ofthe ventilation system so as to avoid precipitation entering the system,the shape of the fan housing cover or overall shape of the ventilationsystem for a particular application, the size of the fan required toventilate a particular area, and other such factors as will occur tothose of skill in the art.

The fan housing 2314 as shown in FIGS. 26 and 26A provides the structurefor configuring the fan (2606 of FIGS. 26 and 26A) inside the fan unit2312. The fan blades of the exemplary fan (2606 in FIGS. 26 and 26A)inside the fan housing 2314 are configured to fit inside and operatewithin the air inlet 2602. For optimal efficiency at moving air, the fanblades are sized to cover the entire area of the air inlet 2602 withouttouch the sides of the inlet 2602. The motor of the fan (2606 in FIGS.26 and 26A) and the opening 2630 in the air flow diverter 2608 areconfigured to be similar in size such that the fan motor fits inside theopening 2630 of the air flow diverter 2608. Such a configurationincreases the efficiency of the airflow diverter 2608 and fan 2606 atmoving the air from the inlet 2602 to the outlet 2604 because less airgets trapped in the region between the fan motor and the opening 2630 ofthe air flow diverter 2608 if the fan motor and the opening 2630 aresimilar in size. In the example of FIGS. 26 and 26A, allowing the fanmotor to be tucked inside the opening 2630 allows the overall height ofthe fan unit to be less, thereby promoting a lower profile ventilationsystem that is subject to less wind shear forces than a fan unit with alarger height.

The fan (2606 in FIGS. 26 and 26A) inside the fan housing 2314 of FIG.23 is capable of connecting to a power source that enables the fan tomove the air from the inlet to the outlet. In the example of FIG. 23 ,the power source is solar power provided by solar cells of solar panels2320 mounted to the top of the fan housing 2314. The solar panels 2320of FIG. 23 are electrically connected to the fan (2606 in FIGS. 26 and26A) using various electrical conductors. A thermostat connected inseries with the solar power source, which includes the solar panels 2320of FIG. 23 , and the fan (2606 in FIGS. 26 and 26A) may control when thefan is activated and/or deactivated by turning on and/or turning offpower to the exemplary fan. Of course, other types of power sources mayalso be utilized in ventilation systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention such as, for example, A/C power sources, D/C powersources (e.g., battery power sources), mechanical power sources (e.g.,wind turbine).

The exemplary ventilation system 2300 of FIGS. 23-28 also includes quickconnect interfaces (2804A, 2804B in FIGS. 28C and 28D). Each quickconnect interface 2804A, 2804B of FIGS. 28C and 28D consists of a pairof interlocking parts can be coupled and decoupled by moving theinterlocking parts relative to one another. The term ‘quick connect’describes the joinder or dis-joinder of at least two components by handwithout the aid of additional tools. In the example of FIGS. 28C and28D, each of the exemplary quick connect interfaces 2804A, 2804B consistof a base feature 2316 integrated into the base unit 2302 and a fanhousing feature (2802A, 2802B shown in FIGS. 28 and 28A-D) that isintegrated into the fan unit 2302. The base feature 2316 and the fanhousing feature 2802A, 2802B are capable of detachably connectingtogether to secure the fan unit 2312 to the base unit 2302.

FIG. 25A is a magnified view of an exemplary base feature 2316 shown inFIG. 25 . The exemplary base features 2316 shown in FIGS. 23-25, 28C,and 28D are mounted to the base collar 2306. More specifically, the basefeatures 2316 are mounted to the flange (2400 on FIG. 24 ) of the basecollar 2306. Each base feature 2316 of FIGS. 23-25, 28C, and 28D isimplemented as a detent 2506 that extends out from the base collar 2306away from the mounting platform 2304. The detent 2506 of FIG. 25A servesas a catch that prevents motion until released in the exemplary quickconnect interfaces illustrated with reference to the Figures. In theexample of FIG. 25A, the detent 2506 includes a detent head 2502 and adetent body 2504. The detent head 2502 of FIG. 25A is larger than thedetent body 2504. This size differential operates to allow the basefeature 2316 to lock into place with the corresponding feature of thequick connect interface on the fan unit 2312.

The corresponding features to the base features 2316 on the exemplaryfan unit 2312 of the quick connect interfaces 2804A, 2804B (shown onFIGS. 28C and 28D are the fan housing features 2802A, 2802B (shown onFIGS. 28 and 28A-D). The fan housing features 2802A, 2802B of the quickconnect interfaces 2804A, 2804B are integrated into the fan housing base2600. Each fan housing feature 2802A, 2802B consists of a receptacle2810A, 2810B capable of receiving a corresponding base feature 2316 ofthe quick connect interface 2804A, 2804B. FIGS. 28A-B depict thereceptacles 2810A, 2810B ready to receive the base features 2316. FIGS.28C-D depict the base features 2316 engaged and locked into place in thereceptacles 2810A, 2810B. The receptacles 2810A, 2810B form holesthrough the fan housing base 2600. The configuration of the holes formedby the receptacles 2810A, 2810B and the configuration of the basefeatures 2316 prescribed how the two component interact to couple anddecouple the base unit 2302 and the fan unit 2312.

Each receptacle 2810A, 2810B of FIGS. 28A-B defines an entry region2812A, 2812B, a transition region 2813A, 2813B, and a locking region2814A, 2814B. These regions are shown on FIGS. 28A-B using dotted linesfor clarity and to avoid cluttering. Each entry region 2812A, 2812B iscapable of receiving the base feature 2316. As such, each entry region2812A, 2812B must be at least as large as the detent head of the basefeature 2316. Each locking region 2814A, 2814B is capable of securingthe base feature 2316 in the receptacle 2810A, 2810B. As such, eachlocking region 2814A, 2814B of FIGS. 28A-B should be configured smallerthan the detent head of the base feature 2316 but larger than the detentbody of the base feature 2316. As shown in FIGS. 28C-D, the detent headsof the base features 2316 being larger than the locking regions 2814A,2814B prevents the base features 2316 from being pulled back through thereceptacles 2810A, 2810B without rotating the base features 2316 out ofthe locking regions 2814A, 2814B. As one of skill in the art canappreciate, the thickness of the receptacles 2810A, 2810B affect theminimum length of the detent body of the base features 2316. The thickerthe fan housing base 2600 forming the receptacles 2810A, 2810B, thelonger the detent bodies of the base features 2316 need to be.

Each transition region 2813A, 2813B is capable of guiding the basefeature 2316 from entry region 2812A, 2812B to the locking region 2814A,2814B. To assist with guiding the base feature 2316 from entry regions2812A, 2812B to the locking regions 2814A, 2814B, each transition region2813A, 2813B provides an incline 2816A, 2816B that guides the basefeature 2316 into the locking region 2814A, 2814B. Each incline 2816A,2816B of FIGS. 28A-B is oriented to pull the base unit 2302 and the fanunit 2312 together as the base feature 2316 moves into the lockingregion 2814A, 2814B.

In the example of FIGS. 28B, 28D, the fan housing feature 2802B includesa catch 2806 that is implemented as a flat spring with finger tab 2822.The catch 2806 of FIGS. 28B, 28D is configured to prevent the basefeature 2316 from backing out of the locking region 2814A, 2814B afterpassing a predetermined position. The predetermined position is set bythe size of the detent head and the length of the catch 2806. As thedetent head is received into the entry region 2812B, the catch 2806 isforced upward to make room for the detent head to protrude through thereceptacle 2810B. The detent head of the base feature 2316 slides upwardalong the incline 2816B into the locking region 2814B as the fan unit2312 and the base unit 2302 are rotate relative to one another. Uponentering the locking region 2814B, the detent head of the base feature2316 clears the end of the catch 2806. The spring loaded catch 2806,having been under tension from the detent head of the base feature 2316forcing the catch 2806 upward, then snaps down and holds the basefeature 2316 in place in the locking region 2814B as shown in FIG. 28D.When an operator is ready to decouple the base unit 2302 from the fanunit 2312, the operator merely lift up on the finger tab 2822 so thatthe catch 2806 is raised above the detent head of the base feature 2316and then rotates the fan unit 2312 and the base unit 2302 relative toone another in the direction opposite from when the fan unit 2312 andthe base unit 2302 were coupled.

As mentioned above, in some applications, raising a fan unit highermight provide advantages. Accordingly, some base units useful inventilation systems according to embodiments of the present invention,may include a riser. FIG. 29 sets forth a perspective view of a baseunit 3000 useful in ventilation systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention. FIG. 30 sets forth an exploded view of a base unit3000 depicted in FIG. 29 . The base unit 3000 of FIGS. 29 and 30includes a mounting platform 3002 and a base collar 3004, all structuredsimilar to the base unit 2302 described with reference FIGS. 23-25 . Thebase collar 3004 of FIGS. 29 and 30 , however, also includes adetachable riser 3006. The riser 3006 connects to the rest of the basecollar 3004 in FIGS. 29 and 30 using quick connect couplings similar tothe manner in which the fan unit 3212 of FIG. 23 connects to the basecollar 2306 and described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 28A-D. In turn,an exemplary fan unit may attach to the riser 3006 in the same manner asthe fan unit 3212 of FIG. 23 connects to the base collar 2306. This isaccomplished because the base features 3008 of FIG. 29 are mounted tothe detachable riser 3006 in the same manner that that the base features2316 are mounted to the base collar 2306 in FIGS. 23-25 . That is, thebase features 3008 are detents having a detent body and detent head thatprotrude from the riser 3006 away from the mounting platform 3002.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description,and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalencyof the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ventilation system comprising: a base unithaving a mounting platform for connecting the base unit to a surfacehaving a surface opening, the base unit having a base collar extendingaway from the mounting platform, the base collar forming a perimeter ofa base opening through the base unit that corresponds to the surfaceopening; a fan unit comprising a fan housing and a fan, the fan housingconfigured to receive air through an inlet and expel the air through anoutlet, the fan capable of connecting to a power source that enables thefan to move the air from the inlet to the outlet; and a quick connectinterface having a base feature and a fan housing feature, the basefeature integrated into the base unit, the fan housing featureintegrated into the fan unit, the base feature and the fan housingfeature capable of detachably connecting together to secure the fan unitto the base unit.
 2. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein the basefeature is mounted to the base collar.
 3. The ventilation system ofclaim 2 wherein: the base collar further comprises a flange around thebase collar at an opposite end of the base collar from the mountingplatform; and the base feature is mounted to the flange.
 4. Theventilation system of claim 1 wherein the base feature further comprisesa detent extending from the base collar away from the mounting platform.5. The ventilation system of claim 4 wherein the detent furthercomprises a detent body and a detent head, the detent head being largerthan the detent body.
 6. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein thefan housing feature of the quick connect interface further comprises areceptacle capable of receiving the base feature of the quick connectinterface.
 7. The ventilation system of claim 6 wherein the receptacledefines an entry region, a transition region, and a locking region, theentry region capable of receiving the base feature, the transitionregion capable of guiding the base feature from entry region to thelocking region, and the locking region capable of securing the basefeature in the receptacle.
 8. The ventilation system of claim 7 whereinthe transition region further comprises an incline that guides the basefeature into the locking region.
 9. The ventilation system of claim 8wherein the incline is oriented to pull the base unit and the fan unittogether as the base feature moves into the locked region.
 10. Theventilation system of claim 7 wherein the fan housing feature of thequick connect interface further comprises a catch configured to preventthe base feature from backing out of the locking region after passing apredetermined position.
 11. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein:the fan unit further comprises one or more solar cells mounted on top ofthe fan housing and electrically connected to the fan; and the powersource further comprises the one or more solar cells.
 12. Theventilation system of claim 1 wherein the fan housing comprises a fanhousing base and the fan housing feature is integrated in the fanhousing base.
 13. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein the basecollar of the base unit further comprises a detachable riser.
 14. Theventilation system of claim 13 wherein the base feature is mounted tothe detachable riser.
 15. The ventilation system of claim 1 wherein thefan housing further comprises an airflow diverter for guiding the airfrom the inlet to the outlet, the airflow diverter configured to beovoidal in shape, the airflow diverter further comprises an inner regionand an outer region, the inner region configured adjacent to the inlet,the outer region configured adjacent to the outlet.
 16. The ventilationsystem of claim 15 wherein the airflow diverter further comprises one ormore vanes for directing the air from the inlet to the outlet.